I finally got a day off work to go to DHHS here in Maine to apply for MaineCare (Medicaid) benefits for Eric. Guess what? I make too much money. Without offering specifics about my salary, I can tell you that I am in the upper 5 figures, but not the HIGH upper 5 figures, and I’m supporting 5 people on that, so while I don’t consider myself to be poor by any stretch, neither am I wealthy. I’ve saved assiduously, though—always maxed my 401K contributions at the jobs I’ve had that offered a 401K benefit—and when I can, I take freelance projects to bring in a little extra (I call it “hay money”). But even without talking about my IRA, even without seeing my freelance income, the social worker took one look at my pay and said, “Nope, you make too much for MaineCare.” BUT, the silver lining for that was that Maine does offer a program for people like me who are hit with catastrophic medical problems (their own or their children’s). I’d never heard of it, but she said I fit the bill perfectly: just above the cutoff for income, with assets but not gi-normous assets, and all she needs me to do is supply my financial info (so that I can be “officially” denied MaineCare, which will establish my eligibility for this other program). So I’m working on that. The paperwork is a drag and of course the time involved is a burden—who has time to fill out a 10-page form when working two jobs, caring for 3 kids, etc., etc.? But I have taken all the money out of my retirement fund that I can legitimately afford to take. So here we go. Wish me luck… and patience… and an angelic temper… I’m going to need all three.
Wishing you luck and whatever else you need to weather this!
Elizabeth:
I have nothing practical to offer you. Just a shoulder to cry on or a vent for the steam rising off you from your recent meeting with government mania. I am in a similar position myself. I am too young for a most assistance and earn a little too much with my SSI and pension plan. I just turned 55 and hope to start investigating what I CAN qualify for. I used to work for the State of Wisconsin and, therefore, know how unreasonable the can get. Of course, all state employees take a course entitled “Unreasonable 101!”
I guess, in this country at least, it is better to be filthy rich or junk yard poor to get anywhere. I pray that you find your way into the government maze!
Lots of hugs! Lois La Rose, Milwaukee, WI
I kind of got the sense that the social worker was deee-lighted to be able to refer me to this program. I guess there’s not much call for it. But… I’ve already found my way INTO the government maze, so please please pray that I’ll find my way OUT of it, preferably with some support for Eric’s astronomical prescription costs. 
Hope that this other program works out and provides some support! Keep us posted!